American Pekin Duck
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Anseriformes
Suborder:
Family:
Anatidae
Genus:
Anas
Species:
Anas platyrhynchos
Pekins are large domesticated ducks that generally weight between 8-12 lbs. They have all white feathers and bright orange/yellow legs, feet, and bills. Males and females look identical, however, males will often have a "drake feather" which is a curled feather at the end of their tail.
The American Pekin duck was introduced from China in 1873. Since then they have been bred for meat, eggs, and as pets
Pekin ducks are omnivores that will eat a variety of things including aquatic organisms and plant matter, berries, seeds, and insects.
Pekin ducks live an average of 8-12 years. A female can lay up to 150 eggs in a year. They take aproximately 28 days to hatch and the ducklings grow quickly after that, reaching 6-8 pounds in 9 weeks.
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